Fungal Nails
If you’ve noticed changes in the appearance or texture of your toenails, a fungal infection may be impacting your nail health and comfort. At Pomona Valley Podiatry, Dr. Brian O’Neill carefully assesses the condition of your nails and surrounding tissue to determine the cause and severity of the infection. His goal is to eliminate the infection, restore nail health, and help prevent recurrence of fungal growth.
What are Fungal Nails?
Toenail fungus affects the toes, nails, and surrounding skin, developing when fungi grow in warm, moist environments (like shoes) and enter through small cracks in the skin or separation between the nail and nail bed. Clinically known as Onychomycosis, this condition is a chronic infection caused by dermatophytes (a group of fungi), yeasts, or molds that invade the nail unit, leading to thickening, discoloration, brittleness, and gradual separation of the nail from the nail bed. Patients often experience thickened or misshapen nails, yellow or white discoloration, brittle or crumbly edges, discomfort when walking or wearing shoes, a dull appearance, and debris buildup beneath the nail.
Common symptoms of Fungal Nails
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- Thickened nails
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- Dull appearance (loss of normal shine)
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- Discoloration (yellow, white, brown, or even greenish)
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- Pain or discomfort, especially when wearing shoes or walking
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- Debris buildup under the nail
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- Brittle, crumbly, or ragged edges
How We Treat Fungal Nails
Toenail fungus is diagnosed through an evaluation of nail changes and confirmed with laboratory testing such as nail clippings or scrapings, which are analyzed to identify the specific organism involved. In early stages, treatment often involves topical antifungal medications combined with proper nail care to manage the infection. More established cases may require oral antifungal therapy and periodic debridement (painlessly removing tissue) to improve treatment effectiveness and comfort, while persistent or severe infections can be addressed with extended treatment plans or procedural options such as laser therapy or partial nail removal.
Why choose
Pomona Valley Podiatry?
At Pomona Valley Podiatry, treatment for fungal nails is focused on both clearing the infection and preventing it from returning. Dr. Brian O’Neill develops individualized care plans based on the severity of the condition and your overall health. Whether through topical solutions, oral medications, or advanced treatment options. His approach is designed to restore healthier nails, improve comfort, and support long-term foot health.